red fox (Vulpes vulpes), also called common fox,
red foxTom Ulrich—Stone/Getty Imagesspecies of fox (family Canidae) found throughout Europe, temperate Asia, northern Africa, and North America. It has the largest natural distribution of any land mammal except human beings. Introduced to Australia, it has established itself throughout much of the continent.

Widely held as a symbol of animal cunning, the red fox is the subject of considerable folklore. In addition, red foxes are hunted for sport and for their fur and are raised commercially for pelts.